Double Diamond Inc. - Screaming Eagle Zipline, Crescent

Jutting from the earth just northeast of Omaha is Mt. Crescent Ski Area, a year-round recreational facility settled in the mountainous terrain of the Iowa Bluffs. Its snowy peaks serve as a proving ground for midwest skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, with a variety of slopes that range from casual jaunts to 2,400-foot runs. Originally founded in 1961 by gold medalist skier Stein Eriksen, Mt. Crescent has since expanded its attractions to encapsulate the entire year.

• Snowy Slopes: From skiing and snowboarding to sledding and tubing, the mountain is rife with possibilities for wintertime activity. Even if the season is light on snow, workers diligently operate snowmaking machines to keep the peaks accessible.
• Screaming Eagle Zipline: Riders zip down a heavy-duty cable for 1,600 feet at speeds over 40 miles per hour to experience an eagle-like trip with sprawling views of mountainside forests.
• Muddy Trails: In the summer months, runners trot through mud during Mt. Crescent's Mudzilla Run. Youngsters get in on the grubby action, too, at the Mini Me Family Mud Run.
• Comforting Warmth: The Swiss-style lodge offers respite after a long day on the mountain with a four-season sundeck, an outdoor fire pit, and the Mountain Cafe & Bar.